WATER FAMINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 924, 24 June 1903, Page 3

WATER FAMINE.

NEARLY .0000 PEOPLE IDLE,

A GRIM JO KB ABOUT WHISKY

By Telegraph—Trees Association —Copyright Received 1.6 a.in., Juno 24. Sydney, Juno 2d. The South Australian Government have arranged to commence to-morrow tho delivery of one hundred thousand gallons of water at Broken Hill weekly. Next week ‘ it will b- increased to two hundred thousand, lading other sources of supply. An oO'uri/ v/ill also bu made to have its supply augmented for steaming purposes at the mines. The mining companies have notified contractors that owing to want of water contracts for deiivory are suspended till tho end of the month. The lU-okeii Hill Stephen’s Crock supply gavo out suddenly to day, and tho operations of ail mines along tho line of lode, excepting tho British, which will probably close to-morrow, have ceased. Tho Proprietary Company is arranging to obtain a supply from adjoining closed mines and other sources, and hopes to start in a few days. In tho meantime underground work will be kepi going. There is sufficient available for a fortnight for domestic purposos. Tho first train from bouth Australia, suppliod under arrangement with the New South Waies Government, starts to-morrow, at a cost of 37s 6d pur thousand gallons. The Now South Wales Government has vvirod tho departmental officers at the Barrier to make all arrangements against famine. Closing tho mines haa rendered idle 5000 in ■: i. Shou. i the Proprietary Company bo able to re-start there will still oo between 2000 and 3000 idle. Tho town presents a deserted uppearauco. There is partial darkuoss owing to the greatly reduced electric lighting. A correspondent says that whiekydriukers arc giving assistance) in preserving tho precious fluid by taking too liquor unwatorod. Tho opinion is froei.y expressed that now tho mines are closed several will not bo reopened until tho price of lead has improved. The rain-making experiments have so far been unavailing. Tho weather to-night is cloudy.